CN113508014B

CN113508014B - Conversion coupler

Info

Publication number: CN113508014B
Application number: CN202080007484.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 沃尔夫冈·朗拉赫纳
Original assignee: Facc AG
Current assignee: Facc AG
Priority date: 2019-05-09
Filing date: 2020-05-08
Publication date: 2023-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-08
Also published as: HRP20221000T1; AT522542A1; EP3867023B1; RU2769147C1; EP3867023A1; WO2020223752A1; AT522542B1; ES2924302T3; CA3119661C; BR112021008566A2; US11554504B2; US20220203559A1; CA3119661A1; CN113508014A

Abstract

The invention relates to a conversion coupler (1), a conversion device (26) and a detection or processing system (27), in particular for the non-destructive detection of a component, comprising: a clamping element (3) for fixing with a corresponding clamping element (4) on the conversion adapter (5); at least one electrical plug connection element (6 a, 6b, 6c, 6 d) and/or an optical plug connection element (7) for connection to a corresponding at least one electrical plug connection element (14 a, 14b, 14c, 14 d) and/or an optical plug connection element (15) on the conversion adapter (5); and a hydrodynamic coupling element (8 a, 8 b), in particular a water coupling element, for connection to a corresponding hydrodynamic coupling element (29 a, 29 b) on the conversion adapter (5), wherein the hydrodynamic coupling element (8 a, 8 b) protrudes further in the direction of connection to the conversion adapter (5) than the electrical plug connection element (6 a, 6b, 6c, 6 d) and/or the optical plug connection element (7) such that, before coming together, the electrical plug connection element (6 a, 6b, 6c, 6 d) and/or the optical plug connection element (7) and the corresponding electrical plug connection element (14 a, 14b, 14c, 14 d) and/or the optical plug connection element (15) on the conversion adapter (5) are aligned with one another by connecting the hydrodynamic coupling element (8 a, 8 b) to the corresponding hydrodynamic coupling element (29 a, 29 b) on the conversion adapter (5).

Description

Conversion coupler

Technical Field

The invention relates to a conversion coupler for connecting an operating element, in particular a robotic arm, to a conversion adapter, in particular for the non-destructive testing of a component, comprising:

clamping elements for securing with corresponding clamping elements on the conversion adapter,

at least one electrical plug-in connection element and/or optical plug-in connection element for connection to a corresponding at least one electrical plug-in connection element and/or optical plug-in connection element on the conversion adapter.

The invention also relates to a conversion device and a detection or processing system with such a conversion coupler.

Background

For such conversion couplers, different connectors are often required for connection with corresponding connectors on the conversion adapter, for example plug connectors with high voltage and/or high current contacts, plug connectors with high frequency contacts, micro plug connectors with high pin count (160 pins) and/or plug connectors for optical waveguides.

EP1590134 discloses a conversion coupler of the type in question, which can be locked to a conversion adapter. In the locked state, the medium and the communication lines (e.g., for compressed air, sensor signals, welding current or coolant) assigned to each other to the conversion coupler and the conversion adapter are connected to each other. However, it is disadvantageous that the electrical or optical plug connection elements must be precisely aligned with one another when connecting the conversion coupler and the conversion adapter in order to prevent damage to the sensitive electrical or optical plug connection elements.

WO2015/074710 discloses a different type of storage station in which tool side receiving panels and robot side receiving panels can be stored.

DE112015003807T5 describes a main unit for fastening to a mechanical arm and a tool unit for fastening to a machine tool.

US2016/059424A1 discloses a main element and a tool element.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate or overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention is particularly intended to protect electrical or optical plug-type connection elements when attaching a conversion adapter.

The above object is achieved by a conversion coupler according to the invention, a conversion device according to the invention and a detection or processing system according to the invention. The invention thus provides a hydrodynamic coupling element, in particular a water coupling element, for connection to a corresponding hydrodynamic coupling element on a conversion adapter, wherein the hydrodynamic coupling element protrudes further in the direction of connection to the conversion adapter than the electrical and/or optical plug connection element (i.e. in the longitudinal or axial direction of the conversion coupler) such that the electrical and/or optical plug connection element and the corresponding electrical and/or optical plug connection element on the conversion adapter are aligned with each other before they meet as a result of the connection of the hydrodynamic coupling element to the corresponding hydrodynamic coupling element on the conversion adapter.

Thus, when attaching the conversion adapter to the conversion coupler, the hydrodynamic coupling element of the conversion coupler is connected with the corresponding hydrodynamic coupling element on the conversion adapter before the electrical or optical plug connection element is engaged with the corresponding electrical or optical plug connection element on the conversion adapter. As a result, the corresponding electrical or optical plug-type connection elements are aligned with each other, i.e. they are arranged in the intended rotational position relative to the longitudinal axis of the conversion coupler, before the conversion adapter is coupled to the conversion coupler. This design has the advantage that damage to sensitive electrical or optical plug connection elements can be reliably avoided. This applies to both manual and automatic switching processes. The coupling of the conversion adapter to the conversion coupler is performed by a person during manual conversion and automatically by a robot during automatic conversion. A further advantage is that liquid and gas from the detection or treatment environment of the conversion coupler are hindered from entering the fluid coupling element due to the self-sealing function of the fluid coupling element protruding further towards the connection with the conversion adapter. This inhibits or prevents contamination of the fluid coupling elements, in particular the water coupling elements, of the conversion coupler and the conversion adapter and of the associated liquid, in particular water, lines, in particular water lines.

According to a preferred embodiment, the conversion process has the following steps:

-removing the used conversion adapter from the conversion coupler;

tapping and/or applying vacuum to the hydrodynamic coupling element of the conversion coupler and the hydrodynamic coupling element of the conversion adapter to be connected, in order to avoid introducing liquid into the conversion adapter and/or the conversion coupler;

-aligning the fluid coupling element of the conversion coupler with a corresponding fluid coupling element on the conversion adapter to be connected;

-connecting the hydrodynamic coupling element of the conversion coupler to a corresponding hydrodynamic coupling element on the conversion adapter to be attached; and

-engaging an electrical or optical plug connection element with a corresponding electrical or optical plug connection element on the conversion adapter to be attached.

Liquid ingress during coupling or decoupling is reliably prevented by the fluid coupling element. By countersinking or otherwise providing the contact surface of the fluid coupling element of the conversion coupler or conversion adapter, contamination of the electrical or optical plug connection element due to the formation of any droplets on the contact surface of the fluid coupling element is prevented.

The conversion coupler preferably comprises a body which, on the end face facing the conversion adapter, comprises a main connection face which preferably extends substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the conversion coupler and which, when in the connected state, rests against a corresponding main connection face of the conversion adapter. The electrical and/or optical plug connection elements do not protrude as far in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the conversion coupler as the hydrodynamic coupling element, so that when the corresponding main connection faces of the conversion coupler and the conversion adapter come into contact with one another, the corresponding electrical and/or optical plug connection elements are aligned with one another in the desired orientation.

For purposes of this disclosure, the position and orientation information relates to the longitudinal axis of the conversion coupler that coincides with the intended connection direction of the conversion coupler and conversion adapter. "axial" refers to the direction of the longitudinal axis, while "radial" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conversion coupler.

According to a preferred embodiment, the conversion coupler comprises an anti-rotation element for connection to a corresponding anti-rotation element on the conversion adapter, said anti-rotation element preferably being arranged as a connection peg tapering towards connection with the conversion adapter, and the corresponding anti-rotation element on the conversion adapter being arranged as a peg socket. Since the connection between the respective hydrodynamic coupling elements likewise has an anti-rotation effect, the anti-rotation element can advantageously be made smaller than in a conversion coupler having a hydrodynamic coupling element without torque absorption. An additional advantage of the anti-rotation element is that the conversion coupler can thereby be aligned more precisely with the conversion adapter.

It is particularly preferred that the radial distance of the hydrodynamic coupling element of the conversion coupler from the clamping element is greater than the radial distance of the anti-rotation element. With this arrangement, when the conversion adapter is twisted relative to the conversion coupler, the fluid coupling element absorbs more torque than the anti-rotation element, which enables the anti-rotation element to be smaller in size.

In order to protect the at least one electrical and/or optical plug connection element and the hydrodynamic coupling element from external influences, the conversion coupler advantageously comprises a sealing ring for sealing connection with the conversion adapter, the sealing ring preferably comprising a V-shaped cross section. Due to the V-shaped cross-section, liquid from the environment that is collected outside the conversion coupler may drip, thus protecting the electrical and/or optical plug connection element as well as the hydrodynamic coupling element from liquid that is collected outside the conversion coupler.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing ring is arranged on the (circumferential) outer edge of the preferably cylindrical body of the conversion coupler.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electrical and/or optical plug connection element and the hydrodynamic coupling element are each arranged within the sealing ring, as seen in the radial direction. In the connected state, the sealing ring extends over mutually converging end faces of the conversion coupler and the conversion adapter, and the corresponding electrical and/or optical plug connection element and the liquid connection piece are arranged in a protected manner within the sealing ring.

It is particularly preferred that the body comprises at least one first cutout for the detachable arrangement of the electrical and/or optical plug connection element and/or at least one second cutout for the detachable arrangement of the hydrodynamic coupling element. During use, the electrical and/or optical plug connection elements are arranged in the first cutout, the fluid coupling elements are arranged in the second cutout, and they are all connected to the associated lines of the operating element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the conversion coupler comprises a coupling element for air, in particular compressed air, for connecting to a corresponding coupling element for air, in particular compressed air, on the conversion adapter. The compressed air may be used by a tool mounted on the conversion adapter to properly use the tool. During use, compressed air is particularly useful for one of the following: pneumatic lifting cylinder, blowing device, sealed air or pneumatic collision protection.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one electrical plug connection element is electrically isolated from the conversion coupler. Particularly preferably, at least one electrical plug-type connection element is individually grounded. This has an influence in particular on the electromagnetic compatibility of adjacent electrical components. This is particularly important for high frequency applications.

In order to reduce the loading force on the conversion coupler, it is advantageous if at least one electrical plug connection element springs radially. The loading force on the conversion coupler is independent of the type and number of electrical plug connection elements.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one electrical plug connection element of the conversion coupler comprises a high-voltage contact or a high-current contact. In this regard, high voltage refers to a dc voltage of at least 680 volts and high current refers to a current of at least 25 amps.

It is furthermore advantageous if at least one electrical plug connection element of the conversion coupler comprises a high-frequency contact. In this case, the high frequency means a frequency from 100kHz to 9 GHz. High-frequency contacts are used, for example, in tools mounted on conversion adapters for the non-destructive testing of components by means of ultrasound, in particular ultrasound with beam control. Beam steering refers to the directional emission of ultrasonic pulses from a probe mounted on the tool.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one electrical plug connection element of the conversion coupler has a high pin count, which means a number of at least 160 pins. For example, high pin count plug connection elements are used for signal transmission in the line of an emitter array inspection head (phased array inspection head) for inspection using phased array ultrasound. The signal from the tool mounted on the conversion adapter can thus be transmitted via the line and via the electrical plug connection element to the evaluation unit of the phased array detection electronics.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one electrical plug connection element of the conversion coupler comprises contacts for transmitting a supply voltage from the operating element to the conversion adapter. The contacts for transmitting the supply voltage are used, for example, for the non-destructive testing of components using a tool mounted on the conversion adapter and supplied by a voltage source, in order to connect the operating element and the wires of the tool via the conversion coupler and the conversion adapter.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one electrical plug connection element of the conversion coupler comprises contacts for data transmission from the conversion adapter to the operating element, in particular for the transmission of tool identification ("ToolID") and/or analog and/or digital sensor data. In this case, the ToolID is a unique identification of the tool, for example by means of a unique number, and the analog and/or digital sensor information is information from an analog and/or digital sensor of the tool mounted on the conversion adapter.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one electrical plug connection element of the conversion coupler comprises a contact for transmitting a ground point. If different electrically isolated ground points are required, high frequency effects can be minimized or eliminated.

Preferably, at least one optical plug-type connection element of the conversion coupler comprises an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is used for transmitting light. The optical waveguide of the optical plug connection element is used for the lossless transmission (streaming) of digital sensor data over long transmission paths with high bandwidth. In particular, the optical waveguide of the optical plug-in connection element is used for the non-destructive inspection of components using thermal imaging or using a digital X-ray flat panel detector; in all cases, the sensor data from the used detection heads is streamed to the evaluation station with high bandwidth.

Preferably, the conversion coupler comprises, on the side facing the operating element, a central piece with an attachment element for a line attached to the operating element. It is particularly preferred that the attachment element protrudes radially outwards from the central piece. Thus, the hub allows for attaching the line to the conversion coupler in a radial direction. This is necessary, for example, for certain operating elements to allow the wires to be routed separately without compromising the portability of the operating element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the conversion coupler (preferably at least the body, in particular the body and the central piece) comprises a through-hole for connecting the conversion coupler to the adapter plate on the side facing the operating element, thereby simplifying the connection of the conversion coupler to the standardized operating element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cable supply of the conversion coupler is arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the conversion coupler. Alternatively, the cable supply of the conversion coupler may be arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the conversion coupler.

Furthermore, the conversion coupler and the conversion adapter detachably connected to the conversion coupler according to the embodiments described above are preferably part of a conversion device, which is used in particular for the non-destructive testing of components, in particular aircraft components, preferably fiber-reinforced plastic components, such as hydraulic shells, flight safety-critical wing components or control components or engine shells.

According to a preferred embodiment, a detection or processing system, in particular for the non-destructive detection of a component, preferably a fiber-reinforced plastic component (e.g. an aircraft component), comprises an operating element, in particular a robotic arm, a conversion coupler according to one of the embodiments described above, and a conversion adapter detachably connected to the operating element by the conversion coupler.

Drawings

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a detection system according to the invention, comprising an operating element and a multipart switching device.

Fig. 2a shows an exploded view of the conversion device according to fig. 1, which conversion device comprises a conversion coupler and a conversion adapter.

Fig. 2b shows an exploded view of the conversion coupler according to fig. 1 and 2 comprising a hub and an adapter plate.

Fig. 3 shows a second exploded view of the conversion coupler, the middleware and the adapter plate according to fig. 2 b.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the switching device according to fig. 2a in a separated state.

Fig. 5 shows a section through the switching device according to fig. 4 in the detached state.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of the conversion coupler, the intermediate piece and the adapter plate according to fig. 2 b.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of the conversion device according to fig. 2a in a coupled and fixed (buffered) state.

Fig. 8 shows a section through the switching device according to fig. 7 in the coupled and fixed state.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of the conversion device according to fig. 2a with the conversion coupler and the conversion adapter in an aligned state.

Fig. 10 shows a section through the conversion device according to fig. 9.

Fig. 11 shows the conversion adapter according to fig. 2a and a tool for the non-destructive testing of fiber-reinforced plastic parts.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a detection system 27 according to the invention for the non-destructive detection of fiber-reinforced plastic parts. The detection system comprises a conversion device 26, an adapter plate 25 and an operating element 28 in the form of a robotic arm. The adapter plate 25 is mounted on the operating element 28 on one side and is detachably connected to the switching device 26 on the other side.

Fig. 2a shows a conversion device 26 comprising a conversion coupler 1 and a conversion adapter 5. The conversion coupler 1 comprises a body 2 and a clamping element 3 for securing with a corresponding clamping element 4 on a conversion adapter 5. The clamping elements 3 and 4 cooperate in a known manner, so that only the components essential to the invention are described below. In the embodiment shown, the clamping element 3 on the conversion coupler 1 has a clamping cylinder with a clamping ball which can be fixed with a corresponding clamping socket in the clamping element 4 on the conversion adapter 5.

As can be seen in fig. 2a, conversion coupler 1 has, for example, four electrical

plug connection elements

6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, one optical plug connection element 7 and two

hydrodynamic coupling elements

8a, 8b. When the conversion coupler 1 is connected to the conversion adapter 5, the

fluid coupling elements

8a, 8b are inserted into each other, creating a fluid-transferring connection between the fluid lines within the

fluid coupling elements

8a, 8b.

It can also be seen in the figures that the

hydrodynamic coupling elements

8a, 8b each protrude further in the direction of the axial connection with the conversion adapter 5 than the electrical

plug connection elements

6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, whereby the

hydrodynamic coupling elements

8a, 8b achieve an alignment of the electrical

plug connection elements

6a, 6b, 6c and 6d when the conversion adapter 5 is attached, as will be explained in more detail below.

As can be seen in fig. 2a, 4 and 5, the conversion adapter 5 has a base body 9. The body 2 of the conversion coupler 1 and the base body 9 of the conversion adapter 5 each have a cylindrical main shape. When the conversion coupler 1 is connected to the conversion adapter 5 using the clamping elements 3 and 4, the longitudinal axis 10 of the body 2 and the longitudinal axis 11 of the base body 9 are identical. The clamping elements 3 and 4 prevent a movement of the conversion adapter 5 relative to the conversion coupler 1 in the axial and radial directions of the rotation axes 10 and 11, while the clamping elements 3 and 4 do not prevent a torsion of the conversion adapter 5 about the longitudinal axis 10. For this purpose, the conversion coupler 1 in the embodiment shown has an anti-rotation element for connection to a corresponding anti-rotation element on the conversion adapter. In the embodiment shown, two connecting

pegs

12a and 12b tapering towards the connection with the conversion adapter 5 are provided as anti-rotation elements on the conversion coupler 1, and two mating peg receptacles 13a and 13b are provided as corresponding anti-rotation elements on the conversion adapter 5.

In the embodiment shown, the

hydrodynamic coupling elements

8a and 8b extend parallel to the two conical connecting

pegs

12a and 12 b. Due to the tapering of the connecting

pins

12a and 12b, the electrical

plug connection elements

6a, 6b, 6c and 6d and the optical plug connection element 7 are first roughly aligned with the corresponding four electrical

plug connection elements

14a, 14b, 14c and 14d and the corresponding optical plug connection element 15 on the conversion adapter 5 by means of the

fluid coupling elements

8a and 8b and then finely aligned by means of the connecting

pins

12a and 12b before the conversion coupler 1 is connected to the conversion adapter 5. Furthermore, the radial distance of the

fluid coupling elements

8a and 8b from the central axis of the clamping element 3 is greater than the radial distance of the connecting

pegs

12a and 12 b. As a result, the

fluid coupling elements

8a and 8b can absorb torque better than the connecting

pegs

12a and 12b when the conversion adapter 5 is twisted relative to the conversion coupler 1, so that the connecting pegs can be made smaller.

In the embodiment shown, the conversion coupler 1 has a sealing ring 16 for the sealed connection of the conversion coupler 1 to the conversion adapter 5. In the embodiment shown, the sealing ring 16 has a V-shaped cross section. The point of "V" points inwardly to allow liquid from the environment to collect and then drip from the seal ring 16. The sealing ring 16 extends in the circumferential direction (relative to the longitudinal axis of the conversion coupler 1) around the outer edge 17 of the body 2 of the conversion coupler 1 on the conversion adapter 5 side. During coupling, the outer edge of the sealing ring 16 is pushed towards the outer edge 18 of the conversion adapter 5 into contact with the conversion adapter 5 and thus drives out any moisture present towards the outer edge 18 of the conversion adapter 5.

As can be seen in fig. 2a and 6, the electrical

plug connection elements

6a, 6b, 6c and 6d of the conversion coupler 1, the optical plug connection element 7 and the

hydrodynamic coupling elements

8a and 8b, and the electrical

plug connection elements

14a, 14b, 14c and 14d and the optical plug connection element 15 of the conversion adapter 5 are arranged inside the sealing ring 16. As a result, the corresponding electrical plug connection element and the hydrodynamic coupling element are protected from the ingress of liquids and gases from the environment.

For the exchangeable fastening of the electrical

plug connection elements

6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, the optical plug connection element 7 and the

fluid coupling elements

8a and 8b to the conversion coupler 1, the body 2 of the conversion coupler 1 has

cutouts

19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, 19e, 19f and 19g in the body 2 for the detachable arrangement of said elements.

In the embodiment shown, the electrical plug-in connection element 6a has high-voltage contacts and high-current contacts, which are connected to the high-voltage contacts and high-current contacts of the corresponding electrical plug-in connection element 14a of the conversion adapter 5 when the conversion coupler 1 is fixed to the conversion adapter 5. For example, high voltage contacts and high current contacts are used to drive a servo motor on an electrical conversion adapter with a DC link voltage of 680V.

In the embodiment shown, the electrical plug-in connection element 6b has high-frequency contacts which are connected to the high-frequency contacts of the corresponding electrical plug-in connection element 14b of the conversion adapter 5 when the conversion coupler 1 is fastened to the conversion adapter 5. The high-frequency contacts are in the embodiment shown in the form of coaxial high-frequency contacts, for example for the non-destructive inspection of the component using ultrasound. In this case, a tool mounted on the conversion adapter 5 is supplied with a high-frequency pulse through a high-frequency contact to generate ultrasonic waves.

In the embodiment shown, further high-frequency contacts are present in the electrical plug connection element 6c and are connected to the high-frequency contacts of the corresponding electrical plug connection element 14c when the conversion coupler 1 is fixed to the conversion adapter 5. The high-frequency contacts of the electrical plug-in connection 6c take the form of high-frequency contacts with a high packing density in the embodiment shown, for example for the non-destructive inspection of components using beam-controlled ultrasound. In this case, the tool equipped with an ultrasonic emitter array and mounted on the conversion adapter 5 is supplied with alternating high-frequency pulses from contact to contact by means of the high-frequency contacts of the corresponding electrical plug-

type connection elements

6c and 14 c. High frequency contacts with high packing density are resiliently mounted for additional protection against damage that may be caused by, for example, impact.

In the embodiment shown, the electrical plug connection element 6d is a high-pin-count linear encoder interface (position encoder interface) which is connected to a corresponding electrical plug connection element 14d of the conversion adapter 5 when the conversion coupler 1 is fixed to the conversion adapter 5, which electrical plug connection element 14d is likewise in the form of a high-pin-count linear encoder interface. Whereby signals are exchanged between the tool mounted on the conversion adapter 5 and the control element connected to the conversion coupler 1.

In the embodiment shown, the electrical plug-in connection element 6b has, in addition to the high-frequency contacts, contacts for transmitting the supply voltage and contacts for data transmission, the contacts on the conversion coupler 1 being connected to corresponding contacts of corresponding electrical plug-in connection elements 14b of the conversion adapter 5 when the conversion coupler 1 is fastened to the conversion adapter 5. The contacts for transmitting the supply voltage are used, for example, for connecting wires leading to a tool for the nondestructive testing of a component on the conversion adapter 5 to wires leading to a voltage source.

In the embodiment shown, the electrical plug connection element 6b also has contacts for data transmission of tool identification ("ToolID") and analog and digital sensor information. In this case, the ToolID, which is the unique identification of the tool mounted on the conversion adapter 5, and the analog and digital information from the sensor fastened on the tool are forwarded via the contacts for data transmission of the electrical plug-in connection element 6b, for example, to the data processing device connected to the conversion coupler 1.

In the embodiment shown, the optical plug connection element 7 has an optical waveguide which is connected to an optical waveguide of a corresponding optical plug connection element 15 of the conversion adapter 5 when the conversion coupler 1 is fastened to the conversion adapter 5. Optical waveguides are used, for example, for non-destructive inspection of components using thermal imaging or digital radiography. The optical waveguide serves as an interference-free transmission channel with a very high bandwidth.

As can be seen in fig. 2b and 3, the conversion coupler 1 in the embodiment shown has a central piece 20 on the side facing the operating element. The center piece 20 has

attachment elements

21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g, 21h, 21i and 21j. In the embodiment shown, the central member has a cylindrical main shape, and the longitudinal axis 22 of the central member 20 and the rotational axis 10 of the main body 2 are identical. The attachment element 21j is used for hermetic feed-throughs of high-frequency single-contact cables and for hermetic feed-throughs of miniature coaxial cables for powering high-frequency contacts of high packing density of the electrical plug-type connection element 6c, which are soldered onto a rectangular circuit board and are connected to the miniature coaxial cables by means of it. The rectangular circuit board and miniature coaxial cable are preassembled for delivery and must therefore be installed and replaced together. By crimping the sealing block by means of the attachment element 21j, isolation from the environment is achieved, through which the high-frequency single-contact cable and the miniature coaxial cable are fed. Crimping results in a sealing of the cable on the one hand and a sealing against the housing on the other hand. If a higher quality seal is desired, the center piece 20 is shaped so that the center piece 20 can be additionally filled with a sealing compound in the inner cavity. The attachment elements 21a to 21j are arranged on the hub 20 outwardly in the radial direction of the rotation axis 22 to allow the line to be sealingly attached to the conversion coupler 1 in the radial direction, releasing the line from the stress created by the tension. When the operating element is in the form of a multi-axis movable mechanical arm, this embodiment is provided to allow the wires to be wired separately. The central piece 20 can be omitted by a different design of the operating element, for example by means of so-called linear kinematics.

In the embodiment shown, the body 2 of the conversion adapter 1 has

pneumatic transmission ducts

23a, 23b, 23c and 23d, and the central piece 20 of the conversion adapter 1 has

pneumatic transmission ducts

24a, 24b, 24c and 24d. The adapter plate 25 is screwed to a machine flange, which is not shown in the embodiment shown. Machine flanges are prior art and therefore do not require a more detailed explanation. Screw fastening of the conversion coupler 1 with the centre piece 20, the adapter plate 25 and the machine flange is arranged such that the screw fastening and assembly starts from the machine flange. That is, if the machine flange is a robot flange, the adapter plate 25 is first screw-fastened, then the center piece 20 is screw-fastened, and then the conversion adapter 1 is screw-fastened. The adapter 25, the central piece 20, the conversion adapter 1 and also the screw fastening are designed such that they are sealed out into the environment and thus do not enter moisture from the outside. Isolation from the environment also applies to different conversion adapters.

Fig. 7 shows a conversion device 26 in which the conversion coupler 1 and the conversion adapter 5 are detachably connected to each other. In this case, the conversion coupler 1 is fixed to the conversion adapter 5 by fixing the clamping element 3 of the conversion coupler 1 to the clamping element 4 of the conversion adapter 5. In the embodiment shown, the conversion adapter 5 of the conversion device 26 allows the installation of different tools for the non-destructive testing of fiber-reinforced plastic components.

As can be seen from fig. 8, the

hydrodynamic coupling elements

8a and 8b protrude further toward the conversion adapter 5, so that the corresponding electrical or optical plug connection elements are prevented from being placed in a twisted state on the electrical or optical plug connection elements of the conversion coupler 1.

Fig. 9 and 10 show the conversion coupler 1 and the conversion adapter 5 of the conversion device 26 during the connection process before the fixed state is reached. In this case, conversion coupler 1 and conversion adapter 5 are aligned with each other by

hydraulic coupling elements

8a and 8b of conversion coupler 1 being connected to corresponding

hydraulic elements

29a and 29b of conversion adapter 5.

Fig. 11 shows a conversion adapter 5 of the conversion device 26 according to fig. 2a, on which a tool 30 for the non-destructive testing of fiber-reinforced plastic parts is mounted. The tool 30 has a cylindrical motor housing 31 which is coaxially adjacent to the conversion adapter 5 and which is detachably connected to the conversion adapter 5 and rotates therewith. In the motor housing 31 there is a servomotor, which is not shown in fig. 11. On one side of the motor housing 31, when the tool 30 is mounted opposite the conversion adapter 5, the tool 30 has a cylindrical gear housing 32, which gear housing 32 is arranged coaxially with the cylindrical motor housing 31. Within the gear housing 32 there is a gear mechanism that is connected to the servomotor and converts the torque and/or rotational speed generated by the servomotor. Between the motor housing 31 and the gear housing 32, the tool 30 has a mechanical crash protection 33 which allows the gear housing 32 to pivot away from the motor housing 31 in the event of an external mechanical action on the gear housing 32. On one side 34 of the gear housing 32 opposite the motor housing 31 there is a tool head 35 which is rotatably mounted on a holder 36 fastened to the gear housing 32. By means of a servomotor, the tool head 35 can be rotated relative to the holder 36 and thus relative to the conversion device 26. The tool head 35 has a test head 37 and a water nozzle 38. In order to protect the tool head 35 from mechanical influences, a protective plate 39 is fastened to the side 34 opposite the motor housing 31 and arranged on the side of the tool head 35 opposite the holder 36.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 11, the tool 30 has an electrical plug connection element on one side against the conversion adapter 5, which has four high-voltage and high-current contacts for driving the servomotor, which contacts are connected to the high-voltage and high-current contacts of the corresponding electrical plug connection element 14a of the conversion adapter 5 when the tool 30 is mounted with the conversion adapter 5. Furthermore, the tool 30 has, on the side against the conversion adapter 5, an electrical plug-type connection element with two contacts for the motor brake of the servomotor, which is connected to a corresponding plug-type connection element of the conversion adapter 5 when the tool 30 is mounted together with the conversion adapter 5. Furthermore, on the side of the tool 30 that abuts the conversion adapter 5 there is an electrical plug connection element with a shaded 14-pin encoder interface for the external measuring system, a 9-pin encoder interface for the motor measuring system of the servomotor and 6 data lines for the ToolID; the electrical plug connection elements can be connected to corresponding electrical plug connection elements 14b of the conversion adapter 5 in order to specifically identify the installed tool 30 and to forward measurement data from the external measurement system and from the motor measurement system.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 11, the tool 30 has two liquid valves on the side against the conversion adapter 5, which are connected to the

hydraulic elements

29a and 29b of the conversion adapter 5 when the tool 30 is mounted together with the conversion adapter 5. A liquid line leads from the two liquid valves to the water nozzle 38 for supplying water to the latter. Furthermore, the tool 30 has three air coupling elements on the conversion adapter 5 side, each air coupling element being connected to a corresponding air coupling element on the conversion adapter 5. The first air coupling element of the tool 30 supplies sealing air to the tool 30 to isolate it from the environment. The second air coupling element is used for monitoring the mechanical crash protection means 33 by supplying sealing air to the mechanical crash protection means 33. When the gear housing 32 is pivoted away from the motor housing 31, movement of the gear housing 32 relative to the motor housing 31 is detected by escape of sealing air. The third coupling element supplies air to the tool 30 to blow off water droplets. In addition, the tool 30 has an electrical plug-type connection element with two coaxial high-frequency contacts on the side against the conversion adapter 5, which are connected to the high-frequency contacts of the corresponding electrical plug-type connection element 14c of the conversion adapter 5 when the tool 30 is mounted together with the conversion adapter 5.

High frequency pulses are provided to the detection head 37 through two coaxial high frequency contacts of the tool 30 to generate ultrasonic waves.

Claims

1. A conversion device, the conversion device comprising:

conversion coupler for connecting an operating element to a conversion adapter, and

a conversion adapter detachably connected to the conversion coupler,

the conversion coupler includes:

at least one electrical plug-in connection element and/or optical plug-in connection element for connection to a corresponding at least one electrical plug-in connection element and/or optical plug-in connection element on the conversion adapter,

the method is characterized in that:

the conversion coupler comprises two water coupling elements for connection to corresponding two water coupling elements on the conversion adapter, wherein

The water coupling element protrudes further in the direction of connection with the conversion adapter than the electrical plug connection element and/or the optical plug connection element, so that, as a result of the connection of the water coupling element with the corresponding water coupling element on the conversion adapter, the electrical plug connection element and/or the optical plug connection element and the corresponding electrical plug connection element and/or the optical plug connection element on the conversion adapter are aligned with each other before they meet,

wherein the conversion coupler comprises an anti-rotation element for connection to a corresponding anti-rotation element on the conversion adapter, wherein the anti-rotation element is provided as a connection peg tapering towards the connection with the conversion adapter and the corresponding anti-rotation element on the conversion adapter is provided as a peg socket, wherein the electrical plug connection element and/or the optical plug connection element is first coarsely aligned by the water coupling element and then finely aligned by the connection peg before the conversion coupler is connected to the conversion adapter.

2. The conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that the radial distance of the water coupling element from the clamping element is greater than the anti-rotation element.

3. A conversion device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conversion coupler comprises a sealing ring for sealing connection with the conversion adapter.

4. A conversion device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sealing ring is arranged on the outer edge of the main body of the conversion coupler.

5. A conversion device according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical plug connection element and/or the optical plug connection element and the water coupling element are each arranged in the radial direction within the sealing ring.

6. Conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conversion coupler comprises a first cutout for the detachable arrangement of the electrical plug connection element and/or optical plug connection element and/or a second cutout for the detachable arrangement of the water coupling element.

7. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one electrical plug connection element comprises a high voltage contact or a high current contact.

8. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical plug connection element comprises a high-frequency contact.

9. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical plug connection element has a high pin count.

10. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one electrical plug connection element comprises contacts for transmitting a supply voltage from the operating element to the switching adapter.

11. Conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one electrical plug connection element comprises contacts for data transmission from the conversion adapter to the operating element.

12. The conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one optical plug connection element has an optical waveguide.

13. The conversion device according to claim 1, wherein: a center piece on a side facing the operating element, the center piece having an attachment element for attaching a line to the operating element.

14. The conversion device according to claim 13, wherein the attachment element is radially outward of the center piece.

15. The conversion device of claim 1, wherein the conversion device is configured for non-destructive inspection of a component.

16. The conversion device of claim 15, wherein the component is a fiber reinforced plastic component.

17. The conversion device of claim 1, wherein the operating element is a robotic arm.

18. A conversion device according to claim 3, wherein the sealing ring comprises a V-shaped cross section.

19. The switching device of claim 4, wherein the body is cylindrical.

20. A detection or processing system, the detection or processing system comprising:

the operating element is arranged to be connected to the control element,

the conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 14,

the conversion adapter is detachably connected to the operating element by the conversion coupler.

21. The detection or processing system of claim 20, wherein the detection or processing system is configured for non-destructive detection of a component.

22. The detection or processing system of claim 21, wherein the component is a fiber-reinforced plastic component.

23. The detection or processing system of claim 22, wherein the operating element is a robotic arm.